Ralph Wright (1948) (2003) - Athletics Hall of Fame - University of Louisville Athletic

Ralph Wright (1948)

Induction:
2003

Ralph Wright formed and coached the Cardinals' first aquatic team in 1948.

At the age of 15, he became one of only 14 swimmers to swim at the dedication of the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937. After serving in the Marine Corps during WWII, Wright broke Olympic and World 200-breast records in 1946, while swimming at the Hawaii University Aquatic Club. Wright founded the American Swim Coaches Association and served on its board for many years.

In addition to his work at Louisville, Wright also had successful coaching stints at Lakeside and Plantation Swim Clubs in Louisville. He died at the age of 45 in 1966, just before one of his swimmers went on to win an Olympic medal (Suzie Shields, bronze in 100 fly, 1968).